NIKE(US:NKE) 2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2026-01-21 08:12Core Viewpoint - Nike is undergoing a leadership change in its Greater China region, with Angela Dong stepping down and Cathy Sparks appointed as the new Vice President and General Manager, amid declining sales and increasing competition in the Chinese sports market [1][2][4]. Group 1: Leadership Change - Angela Dong will officially resign on March 31, 2026, after over 20 years in various leadership roles in Greater China, during which Nike witnessed significant milestones in the region [1]. - Cathy Sparks, with 25 years of experience at Nike, previously served as Vice President and General Manager for the Asia Pacific and Latin America region, and is expected to deepen consumer connections in Greater China [2][11]. Group 2: Performance Challenges - Nike's sales in Greater China fell by 16% year-on-year to $1.423 billion for the latest fiscal quarter ending November 2025, with EBIT down 49% [4]. - Direct sales dropped 18%, with digital sales down 36% and store sales down 5%, while wholesale business declined by 15% [4]. - The decline is attributed to decreased store traffic, weak seasonal product sales, and high inventory levels, leading to a perception of the brand as a discount label [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The Chinese sports market is becoming increasingly competitive, with a decline in consumer spending willingness, as indicated by a drop in the percentage of consumers inclined to spend more from 23.3% in Q2 2025 to 19.2% in Q3 2025 [4]. - Other major brands like Anta and Li Ning are also facing growth pressures, with Anta's sales showing low single-digit declines [5]. Group 4: Strategic Adjustments - Nike is focusing on upgrading key stores, with a notable 25% sales increase in upgraded product categories at specific locations [8]. - The company is reducing spring product distribution and cutting summer product purchases to improve sales rates and full-price sales ratios [9]. - Recent marketing efforts include signing popular figures like G.E.M. and launching impactful advertising campaigns [9]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The leadership change raises questions about potential shifts in Nike's operational strategy in China, especially as North America shows a 9% sales increase [11]. - Cathy Sparks' global experience may help integrate resources across regions, but the unique challenges of the Chinese market require localized strategies [12].